Posted on Jan 19

Bears' Williams leads valiant effort, but Chicago falls to Rams 20-17 in playoffs

Posted Jan 19, 2026

The Chicago Bears promising season came to a heartbreaking end as they lost to the Los Angeles Rams 20-17 in the divisional round of the playoffs, despite a standout performance by quarterback Caleb Williams.

Why it matters: This loss highlights both the progress made by the Bears this season and the growing expectations for their future.

Williams, in his first full year as a starter, has established himself as a franchise quarterback with record-setting performances.
The Bears improved from five wins in 2024 to 11 wins in 2025, winning the NFC North title and their first playoff game in 15 years.

What’s new: In a dramatic ending, Williams threw a touchdown pass on fourth down with just 18 seconds remaining to tie the game and force overtime.

This marked the first time in franchise history that a quarterback led seven fourth-quarter comebacks in a single season.
Williams became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw three touchdowns in the final five minutes of a postseason game.

By the numbers: Despite the heartbreak, Williams displayed resilience and skill throughout the season.

He completed 10 of 23 passes after halftime against the Rams, with two interceptions, illustrating the challenges he faced under pressure.
His touchdown pass to tight end Cole Kmet had a completion probability of only 17.8%, showcasing Williams' ability to deliver in clutch situations.

Between the lines: The team's culture and growth were evident, as players reflected on their journey and accomplishments.

Safety Kevin Byard remarked, "We had a hell of a year," acknowledging the team's unexpected success.
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson emphasized the importance of not letting a strong season go to waste after a single loss.

What’s next: As the Bears look ahead, securing more talent around Williams will be crucial for their continued development.

With Williams leading the offense, the Bears have a solid foundation to build upon as they seek deeper playoff runs in the coming seasons.
Coach Ben Johnson praised Williams’ potential and urged the team to learn from their experiences in this playoff run.

The bottom line: While the postseason defeat stings, the Bears' trajectory under Williams points toward a bright future filled with potential for championship aspirations.

Players like Kmet expressed the importance of seizing opportunities, underscoring the need for the Bears to capitalize on their recent successes as they prepare for the next season.

Bears' Williams leads valiant effort, but Chicago falls to Rams 20-17 in playoffs

Alex Parker

Posted Jan 19, 2026

Why it matters: This loss highlights both the progress made by the Bears this season and the growing expectations for their future.

Williams, in his first full year as a starter, has established himself as a franchise quarterback with record-setting performances.

The Bears improved from five wins in 2024 to 11 wins in 2025, winning the NFC North title and their first playoff game in 15 years.

What’s new: In a dramatic ending, Williams threw a touchdown pass on fourth down with just 18 seconds remaining to tie the game and force overtime.

This marked the first time in franchise history that a quarterback led seven fourth-quarter comebacks in a single season.

Williams became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw three touchdowns in the final five minutes of a postseason game.

By the numbers: Despite the heartbreak, Williams displayed resilience and skill throughout the season.

He completed 10 of 23 passes after halftime against the Rams, with two interceptions, illustrating the challenges he faced under pressure.

His touchdown pass to tight end Cole Kmet had a completion probability of only 17.8%, showcasing Williams' ability to deliver in clutch situations.

Between the lines: The team's culture and growth were evident, as players reflected on their journey and accomplishments.

Safety Kevin Byard remarked, "We had a hell of a year," acknowledging the team's unexpected success.

Cornerback Jaylon Johnson emphasized the importance of not letting a strong season go to waste after a single loss.

What’s next: As the Bears look ahead, securing more talent around Williams will be crucial for their continued development.

With Williams leading the offense, the Bears have a solid foundation to build upon as they seek deeper playoff runs in the coming seasons.

Coach Ben Johnson praised Williams’ potential and urged the team to learn from their experiences in this playoff run.

The bottom line: While the postseason defeat stings, the Bears' trajectory under Williams points toward a bright future filled with potential for championship aspirations.

Players like Kmet expressed the importance of seizing opportunities, underscoring the need for the Bears to capitalize on their recent successes as they prepare for the next season.